What Is a Tablet Computer? A Guide for Beginners

What is a Tablet Computer? Clearing up the myths

Many computing beginners are being given a tough decision in 2012, whether or not to buy a tablet computer, Android Tablet or iPad, and many are not sure what is a tablet computer?! With sales tactics as brutal as ever lets try and clear up what you should be looking for in a tablet and what exactly is a tablet computer. Wikipedia defines a tablet as:

A a tablet, is a mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen rather than using a physical keyboard. It often uses an onscreen virtual keyboard, a passive stylus pen, or a digital pen.

So if you wish you can think of a tablet as a beefed up smartphone. A tablet typically has faster processors, more memory and a bigger screen than a smartphone, it is a computer on the move for most people. Another way to think of a tablet computer is as a smaller Laptop. If you find you do not need all the power a typical laptop can deliver than perhaps a tablet computer will have a good use for yourself.

Why buy a Tablet Computer?

There are many reasons for buying a tablet, but for most it will be the extreme portability and small form-factor. By the standards of 2012 most laptops are too bulky for us, so a tablet is the perfect space saving device. For others you may be convinced to buy a tablet to use as an eBook reader. This is a great alternative to carrying around bulky and heavy books, especially when travelling. Finally you may want to purchase a tablet for the great App Stores and gaming opportunities, which are only getting stronger.

In our opinion the best reason to own a tablet is for easy internet browsing. Since Tablets tend to turn on instantly, you can quickly check your email on the sofa, or the name of the actor in the film you're watching. A great deal of us in 2012 are connected to the internet by WiFi or 3G, and tablets offer both connection methods, making a tablet even better than most laptops for internet on the move.

How does a Tablet differ to my Desktop Computer?

Portability, portability, portability. None of us want to be tied to any desk by our computers. Consider using a cooking recipe on the internet, with a tablet you can take this straight into the kitchen with you. As for most laptops and all desktops this isn't the case, portability is the name of the game, and tablet computers deliver this.

In terms of architecture and processing power tablets have a much lower capability. However, the operating system loaded on a tablet (usually Android) requires much less power to run, and is designed to improve battery life. A decent tablet will have around 5 to 12 hours of battery life for constant use. Typical processor speeds of tablets are between 800mhz and 1.5ghz. Typical RAM memory for a tablet is around the 512mb mark, obviously seek for this number to be as high as possible. Typical memory of a tablet is anywhere between 2gb and 64gb, you should seek an amount which suits your needs. If you use a tablet only as a internet browser then lower (2gb) is fine. If you plan on watching films on your tablet aim for as high as possible (32gb - 64gb.)

What can I do with my Tablet Computer?

There's a huge list of what can be achieved with a tablet computer. This list is constantly growing as more apps are released, improving the capabilities of all android tablets. Lets cover the main points in the following list; 

• Browse the Internet
• Use as an eBook reader
• Create and edit office documents
• Use as a personal media player
• A digital photo frame
• Use your tablet as a personal assistant with alarms, calendars and reminders
• Send and receive email
• Edit photographs
• Take photographs (Built in camera required)

In summary when wondering what is a tablet computer? Just remind yourself, they're just like small laptops or large smartphones. With loads of capabilities and functions, they're lightweight and great for travelling. When buying remember to ask the right questions and always buy the best quality tablet you can afford, so it will last you years to come. Enjoy your new tablet computer, you'll love being able to get onto the internet whenever and wherever you like